Lincoln City Review vs Macclesfield Town

Lincoln City stretched their lead at the top of the Sky Bet League Two after a late Jason Shackell goal saw the Imps pick up a 2-1 victory.

The Imps had gone in front through Tom Pett before Jamie Grimes leveled with six minutes to play.

But, the before named Shackell was able to steer an effort on target to allow the Imps to head back to Lincolnshire with three points.

It was a rather quiet start with neither side coming close. Bruno Andrade looked dangerous as he caused his full-back all kinds of problems.

The Imps were finally in front with just 20 minutes of play gone. A looped James Wilson cross found the head of John Akinde. The centre-foward’s header fell eight yards of goal and into the stride of Pett.

His low finish ensured that Kieran O’Hara was getting nowhere near it.

The first half tailed out with no real action. Macclesfield didn’t look to be cause many issues for the defensive line with Grant Smith barely used.

The second half contained far more threats. Just three minutes into the half, Akinde was baring down on the Macc goal. His effort looked to be creeping in at the near post before the on loan Manchester United goalkeeper O’Hara pushed it into the side netting.

The next to test O’Hara was Shay McCartan. His free kick looked destined to fly into the back of the net, but the young keeper was able to push it away for a corner.

O’Hara was at it again just minutes later. Andrade’s cross superbly found the head of Harry Anderson who’s header looked all but in. But yet again, the young stopper produced a superb save to keep his side in the game.

It was then the hosts turn to apply some pressure. Their first dangerous play resulted in their equaliser. The ball found its way to the Imps’ back post and there was Jamie Grimes to tap it into an empty net.

But the game wasn’t over there, Lincoln forced some late corners and were able to take advantage. A lovely fizzed cross from Andrade was cleared straight to Shackell. His delightful dipping half volley found the corner.

The Imps were able to see out the final five minutes to stretch their lead at the top of the table to three points.

MK Dons will travel to Sincil Bank on Saturday to provide Danny Cowley’s men with a real challenge.